Commons second reading: Immigration Bill
22 October 2013 (updated on 22 October 2013)
MPs debated the second reading of the Immigration Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday 22 October 2013.
The Secretary of State for the Home Department, Mrs Theresa May, opened the debate. The Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, responded on behalf of the opposition.
- Watch Parliament TV: Immigration Bill - Second reading
- Read Commons Hansard: Immigration Bill - Second reading
- Read current Parliamentary material in Topics: Immigration
Related information
Summary of the Immigration Bill
To make provision about immigration law; to limit, or otherwise make provision about, access to services, facilities and employment by reference to immigration status; to make provision about marriage and civil partnership involving certain foreign nationals; and for connected purposes.
Progress of the Bill
The Bill was introduced into the Commons on 10 October 2013.
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documentation, including amendments papers, on the Immigration Bill and find out how a bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library produces briefing papers to inform MPs of key issues. The papers contain factual information and a range of opinions on each subject, and aim to be politically impartial. The Library has published a briefing paper for the second reading.
What happens at second reading?
At second reading the House debates the whole principle of the bill. It usually takes place no sooner than two weekends after first reading.
The Member in charge or the Minister moves the motion ‘that the bill be now read a second time’. MPs then debate the bill.
At the end of the debate the Speaker determines whether there are any objections to the motion being debated and asks for the Ayes and Noes.
Members voice their opinion, and if no objections are made, the bill passes second reading without a vote. If the Speaker believes Members have voiced disagreement a division is called and a vote taken.
What happens after second reading?
If the motion at second reading is agreed to, the Bill will go to a Public Bill Committee for consideration.
Watching proceedings from the public gallery
UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public gallery.
This article was produced by the Commons Digital Outreach Team. Follow @HouseofCommons on Twitter for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber.